PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Grandma crushed to death by 16ft python while working on farm as snake tried to swallow her head first An Indonesian grandmother has met a tragic end after being crushed to death by a 16-foot python that tried to swallow her whole. According to reports, the woman, 57-year-old Hapsah, was attacked by the serpent last week while doing routine work on a plantation, where she tapped rubber trees, in Muaro Jambi, a province of Sumatra. Hapsah reportedly tried to fight off the snake as it wrapped itself around her body ... but the python overpowered her, squeezing her unconscious from lack of oxygen The 16ft snake overpowered the struggling woman and wrapped itself around her body in Muaro Jambi Regency, Jambi province. It slowly squeezed the breath out of her lungs until she passed out and is believed to have tried to swallow her whole. Her alarmed husband M Safri, 66, who worked with her on the same plantation, went to search for her when she failed to come home that afternoon. Safri ...

 30 North Korean Officials Executed Over Mishandling of Flood Disaster Recent reports suggest that 30 government officials in North Korea have been executed for their failure to respond effectively to the severe floods and landslides that claimed over 4,000 lives last month. South Korean media outlet TV Chosun revealed that the officials faced charges of corruption and neglect of duty. The floods in July hit Chagang Province hard, displacing over 15,000 people and causing massive damage to homes, farmland, roads, and railways, especially in areas like Sinuiju and Uiju. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly responded by removing high-ranking officials and ordering punishments for those responsible for poor disaster management. TV Chosun reported that many were executed at the end of last month. However, independent sources have yet to confirm the accuracy of these claims. Despite the disaster, Kim Jong-un has rejected offers of international aid and directed officials to re...

  UK-bound Boeing 787 forced to make emergency landing in Russia A flight to Birmingham made an emergency landing in the Russian capital due to engine problems An Air India Boeing 787 flying from New Delhi, India to Birmingham in the UK has made an emergency landing in Moscow due to technical problems, Sheremetyevo Airport said on Thursday. "The aircraft's crew requested an unscheduled landing at Sheremetyevo Airport due to technical problems," the airport said in a statement, adding that airport services responded to the crew's request and prepared to receive the aircraft. The flight landed at 6:36pm Moscow time without any injuries to any of the 258 passengers and 17 crew members. Airport services and specialists are assisting the crew in preparing to continue the flight, which is scheduled to depart Moscow at 9:35pm on Thursday. However, changes have not been ruled out. "The foreign crew receives full assistance from the Russian airport and specialists under t...

 EFCC Commences Investigation of Vessel Arrested from Alleged Oil  Thieves in Port Harcourt   Operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation  of a vessel: “Bravo Alero” suspected to belong to oil thieves in the Niger Delta area.    The vessel,  arrested by Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS FORMOSSO, Brass, Bayelsa State and conveying 200 litres of   products suspected to be illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, AGO,  was handed over to the EFCC by the Navy for investigations and prosecution.    The Handing Over Officer, Commander M.A Gaga, who represented the Commanding Officer Forward Operating Base, FOB, FORMOSO, Captain Ifeanyichukwu Charles Mabeokwu, while thanking the EFCC, expressed confidence that the Commission would investigate the vessel and possibly prosecute it accordingly. He also assured the Commission of continued synergy in the fight ag...

 Congo receives long-awaited mpox vaccine doses Democratic Republic of Congo received its first batch of mpox vaccines on Thursday, which health authorities hope will help curb an outbreak that has prompted the U.N. to declare a global public health emergency. Congo is the epicentre of the outbreak, which has spread to neighbouring countries and elsewhere, but a lack of vaccines in Africa has hampered efforts to stop the spread of the sometimes deadly disease. Congo's health minister, Samuel Roger Kamba Mulamba, told reporters the newly arrived vaccine had already proved its worth in the United States and would be rolled out to adults in Congo, Reuters reported. Congo has said it will launch its vaccination campaign on Oct. 8 to allow time for a thorough awareness-raising campaign to overcome mistrust in some communities.

 Army Arrests 23-Yr-Old Suspected Abductor, K!ller Of FUNAAB Student In Lagos, Hand Him Over To Police The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Adeleye Ayomide, suspected of kill!ng 300-level Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUAA) student, Idowu Christiana. Christiana was abducted along Ikorodu-Yaba Road, Lagos State, on August 19, 2024. A family source under anonymity revealed that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of N3 million, but later accepted N350,000. Despite payment, the k!dnappers refused to release Christiana. 81 Division Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, confirmed Ayomide’s arrest on Thursday. Ayeni said the suspect was arrested by men of the 174 Battalion, saying, “Yes. I am aware about the issue. We arrested him and the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army will be handing him over to the Lagos State Police Command today, so you can liaise with them for further information.” Also, on Thursday, the Student Union Government president of FUNAA...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU MOURNS CHIEF MICHAEL ADENIYI KOLEOSHO President Bola Tinubu receives the news of the passing of Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleosho, OFR, former national chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), with profound sadness.  Chief Koleosho was former secretary to the Government of Oyo State, a politician and accomplished businessman. President Tinubu mourns the late elder statesman, who was the Babalaje of Sakiland, recalling his endeavours towards enriching and strengthening the political process.  The President extends his condolences to the family of the deceased and to the people of Oyo State. The President prays for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for his family. Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) September 5, 2024

 KANO STATE POLICE COMMAND 5TH SEPTEMBER, 2024               PRESS RELEASE TRAFFIC ADVISORY: PASSING OUT PARADE OF 6TH REGULAR CADETS AT NIGERIA POLICE ACADEMY WUDIL The Kano State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Salman Dogo Garba, wishes to inform the public, particularly motorists plying the Kano-Wudil road, of an upcoming Passing Out Parade (POP) at the Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano, on Saturday, 7th September 2024. 2.  EVENT DETAILS: - Date: Saturday, 7th September 2024 - Time: 0700hrs - 1400hrs - Venue: Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Kano (Parade Ground) 3.  TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Due to the expected dignitaries and crowds, motorists and road users are advised to: - Exercise patience and caution - Avoid reckless and dangerous driving - Refrain from over-speeding - Observe all traffic rules and regulations - Consider alternative routes between 0700hrs and 1400hrs 4.  TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: To ensure a smooth traffic flow,...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE ECOWAS CHAIRMAN TO AFRICAN LEADERS: WE MUST EMBRACE MULTILATERALISM AND INNOVATE TO SECURE SUSTAINABLE PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT  President Bola Tinubu has called on global leaders to embrace multilateralism and reject protectionism as essential steps towards achieving lasting peace, security, and stability.  President Tinubu addressed a high-level meeting on peace and security at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), on Thursday in Beijing, China, in his capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.  The President noted that the challenges facing today’s world—ranging from food insecurity to armed conflict—can only be addressed through partnerships founded on mutual respect, fairness, and inclusiveness. ''I thank the African Union for being very consistent in their advocacy for global peace and working towards the realization of its vision for a peaceful and secure Africa as articulated in Agenda 2063...

 CP ITAM ORDERS THE DETENTION OF POLICE PATROL TEAM MEMBERS OVER THE MURDER OF AN UNSUSPECTING MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC ALONG OWERRI ROAD, ONITSHA _As preliminary investigation indicates among the patrol team, a police corporal the suspect in the act_ The *CP* directs immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, (SCID), Awka, sues for calm and assures that the Command will ensure a thorough investigation into the case for justice to prevail. _Further development shall be Communicated_ *SP Tochukwu Ikenga* Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command. Awka. *4th September, 2024*

 FG raises inmate feeding allowance by 50% The Federal Government has approved a 50 per cent increase in the feeding allowance for inmates in Nigeria, effective from August 2024. This measure aims to address rising food costs and improve inmate welfare. The spokesperson for the Nigeria Correctional Service, Abubakar Umar, confirmed the increase during an interview with newsmen on Thursday. He described it as the “first phase” of a broader review intended to enhance living conditions for inmates. “The inmate feeding allowance has been increased by 50 per cent, effective from August 2024. This is just the first phase,” Umar said. He added that further reviews would follow, particularly due to the soaring cost of food. “The FG will also consider additional reviews. This is just the first phase. Normally, there is a period when inmate feeding allowances are reviewed. Following a presentation during the budget process, the FG deemed it necessary to adjust the allowance due to the rising...

  FG Gives Fresh Directive On WAEC, NECO Age Limits In Nigeria FG has given a fresh directive on WAEC and NECO age limits in Nigeria. The federal government has announced that exceptionally gifted children under the age of 18 may be permitted to take the West African School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations. This announcement comes amid controversies surrounding the earlier age limit declared for school candidates to enroll in WAEC, NECO, and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in the country. The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, during a visit to the Federal Government Academy in Suleja on Thursday, said: “We are going to develop criteria to guide what we will call Gifted children.’ Mamman made this announcement while attending to questions on the government’s plans for gifted children, given the government’s new education policy that sets age limits for candidates writing WAEC and NECO examinations. F...

 Why I regret not doing "Yahoo Yahoo" – Actor Aremu Afolayan Renowned Nollywood actor Aremu Afolayan has stirred controversy with a recent Instagram post expressing his regret for not engaging in internet fraud, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ in Nigeria. In a statement shared on the social media platform, Afolayan voiced his disappointment with legitimate business ventures in Nigeria, suggesting they now seem futile in the current economic climate. “All of the days wey dem dey talk about yahoo yahoo, na today I regret pass say I no do am. Legitimate hustling never felt super useless #aremuafolayan.” Afolayan’s statements come in the wake of an outrageous increase in fuel prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), which saw the price per litre surge from N617 to N897.

 Juju trapped me inside Igbinedion's  residence, suspected artifact thief confesses An 18-year-old indigene of Kano state, Adamu Usman, has narrated how he was trapped by juju in Chief Igbinedion’s residence when he attempted to steal some artefacts. Juju is a fetish or charm believed by Africans to have magical or supernatural powers. Spokesman to the Edo State Police Command, Moses Joel Yamu, who paraded the suspect with others arrested for various offences, disclosed that the artifacts were worth about ₦500,000,000.00. Usman told journalists that he was deceived by one of his friends, now at large, to come to  the Esama of Benin’s house to steal the artefacts but was held down by juju. “I was deceived by the man that took me there. He did not tell me we were going to steal, but when we got there, he said I should jump the fence and when I jump the fence,” he said. The Command’s spokesman who paraded the suspects on behalf of the State Commissioner of Police, Nemi Iwo, ...

 Full List: Female players nominated for Ballon D’Or  France Football Magazine on Wednesday nominated female players for the prestigious Ballon D’Or trophy. Here are names of the shortlist nominees. Barba Banda Marie-Antoinette Katoto Aitana Bonmati Alyssa Naeher Lucy Bronze Sjoeke Nüsken Mariona Caldentey Ewa Pajor Tabitha Chawinga Salma Paralluelo Grace Geyoro Gabi Portilho Manuela Giugliano Alexia Putellas Caroline Graham Hansen Mayra Ramírez Patricia Guijarro Trinity Rodman Giulia Gwinn Lea Schüller Yui Hasegawa Ada Hegerberg Khadija Shaw Sophia Smith Lauren Hemp Mallory Swanson Lindsey Horan Tarciane Lauren James Glódís Viggósdóttir

 September deadline for NIN/SIM linkage sacrosanct, says NIMC The authorities of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) have reminded Nigerians and legal residents that the  September 14 deadline by the Federal Government for the linkage of the National Identification Number (NIN) with the Subscribers Identity Modules (SIM) remain sacrosanct.  The Commission said its equipment and workers in the over 10,000 registration outlets across the country and in the diaspora are working seamlessly without hitch for enrolment, verification and authentication, and modification of data. In a statement by its Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Kayode Adegoke, NIMC maintained that other services are also going on seamlessly to meet the needs of Nigeria for the NIN-SIM linkage deadline. The statement reads:” The Commission wishes to reiterate that all its over Ten Thousand NIN enrolment centres across the country and in the diaspora are open for NIN enrolment. Nigerians an...

 NNPC has not started lifting our petrol, says Dangote Group Dangote Group says the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has not commenced lifting of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, from its refinery. In a statement on Thursday by Anthony Chiejina, chief branding and communications officer of Dangote Group, the company said it is yet to finalise its contract with the NNPC. “We would like to state that NNPC has not commenced lifting of refined Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from our Dangote petroleum refinery,” the company said. “Therefore, the issue of fixing the price of petrol lifted from our refinery does not arise, as we are yet to finalise our contract with NNPC.” Dangote Group said the petrol market is strictly regulated, and as such, the company can not determine, fix or influence the product price which falls under the purview of relevant government authorities. The group assured Nigerians of high-quality petroleum prod...

 Police confirm abductions of Makinde’s ally in Ibadan The Oyo Police Command has confirmed abduction of one Benedict Akika, an ally of Governor Seyi Makinde. Akika, a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, was said to have been abducted on Wednesday evening at his Olorunda Aba residence in Lagelu Local Government Area. The whereabouts of Akika have not been known as of the time of filing this report. Oyo Police spokesman, Adewale Osifeso, who confirmed the abduction, said investigation has commenced into the matter. According to her: “Investigation has commenced into the matter. Updates will be provided accordingly, please.”

 FUNAAB student kidnapped in Lagos murdered by abductor A student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Christiana Idowu, who was kidnapped between Ikorodu and Yaba in Lagos State has been reportedly murdered by her abductor. The Student Union Government president of FUNAAB, Ibrahim Adeyemi, confirmed this to our correspondent in a telephone conversation on Thursday. Adeyemi said, “The Union can confirm that she was reportedly killed by her abductor. We will be addressing the matter soon.” A family source had told PUNCH Metro on August 26 that the abductors were demanding a sum of N3m as a ransom before they could release the student. The source told our correspondent that Christiana had left her home in the Itaoluwo area of Ikorodu heading to the University of Lagos in the Yaba area of the state where she was observing her industrial training before she was abducted by the kidnappers. The source disclosed further that after she was unreachable for a while...

 2027: LP Will Take Over Lagos, APC Has Failed Woefully — Rhodes-Vivour Vows Rhodes-Vivour made the declaration while fielding questions from newsmen in Umuahia, Abia State capital, where he attended an extended stakeholders’ meeting of the Labour Party. The 2023 Labour Party, LP, governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour has made a vow.   The politician vowed to see the Labour Party take over power in Lagos in 2027. Rhodes-Vivour made the declaration while fielding questions from newsmen in Umuahia, Abia State capital, where he attended an extended stakeholders’ meeting of the Labour Party.   According to him, the party had been made more formidable to take over Lagos State, adding that it has been strategising and consolidating on its gains since its impressive outing in Lagos during the 2023 polls, where it swept the former Nigerian capital during the presidential poll.   The former governorship flag bearer expressed satisfaction over the outcom...

 NNPCL set to supply fresh 17.8 million barrels of crude oil to Dangote Refinery Vice President, Downstream at the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr Adedapo Segun, on Thursday, revealed that the Dangote Refinery between September and November will receive additional 17.8million barrels of crude oil as part of the Federal Government push to drive local production of petroleum products. He spoke on AriseNews Morning Show. So far, the state owned oil company has supplied 30 million barrels of crude to the refinery to start its operation. Dangote Refinery announced early in the week , at a press briefing addressed by its Group Chief Executive, Aliko Dangote, that it is now ready to release its PMS to the market. According to Mr Adedapo, 6.8m barrels in 7 cargoes of crude oil will be delivered to Dangote Refinery in September, while another 11 million barrels will be delivered in November. The VP Downstream further revealed why NNPCL is the sole importer of PMS in t...

 Fuel Pump Price Hike: Commercial transporters down tools in Ilorin Commercial transporters in Ilorin, Kwara State capital on Thursday stopped operations to protest the high cost of petrol for their business. Okada riders, tricyclists and other intra-city commercial transporters were forced off the road by their aggrieved members who complained bitterly about the high cost of fuel. Passengers on Okada and tricycles were forcefully disembarked and made to trek. Fuel in the state capital now cost between N1,100 and N1,200 per litre against the official price of N895 announced by the NNPC. The action of the aggrieved transporters which started at about 7:00 am, forced some filling stations in Ilorin to stop sales due to the fear that their facilities could be attacked and razed down. As a result of the development, many commuters who were stranded had to trek some kilometers to their destinations but private motorists were allowed free movement. Some owners of commercial shops in the ...

 Liz Cheney says she is voting for Harris for president Republican former Rep. Liz Cheney will vote for Vice President Kamala Harris in November, she said during remarks at Duke University. The former Wyoming congresswoman noted the importance of voting for Harris in states like North Carolina, where she appeared on Wednesday. “I think it is crucially important for people to recognize, not only is what I just said about the danger that Trump poses something that should prevent people from voting for him, but I don’t believe that we have the luxury of writing in candidates’ names, particularly in swing states,” Cheney said. She made the announcement in North Carolina specifically because it is a battleground state, according to a source close to Cheney. “And as a conservative, as someone who believes in and cares about the Constitution, I have thought deeply about this, and because of the danger that Donald Trump poses, not only am I not voting for Donald Trump, but I will be voting...

 Threat Against PDP Govs: Arrest Wike, charge him for treason – Clark tells IGP An erstwhile Federal Commissioner for Information and South-South leader, Edwin Clark has petitioned the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently arrest and prosecute the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. The Ijaw leader, in a letter to the IGP, read on Thursday during a press briefing at his Asokoro residence, asked Egbetokun to arrest Wike over his threat to set fire in the states of governors of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. DAILY POST recalls that Wike, while speaking at the PDP secretariat in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Saturday during the party’s state congress, warned the PDP governors to stay clear of the party’s affairs in Rivers. “Let me assure all of you, not while we live will anybody take away the structure of the PDP from us. But let me tell people, I hear some governors who say they will take over the structure and give it back to someb...

  New Zealand's new Maori queen anointed as late king laid to rest A new queen was crowned as the eighth Māori monarch in New Zealand as her father, Kiingi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero VII, was laid to rest. Twenty-seven-year-old Ngā Wai hono i te pō was chosen as Kuini by a council of New Zealand's indigenous Māori chiefs during an elaborate ceremony in the country's North Island. She is only the second Māori queen, the first being her grandmother, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Ngā Wai hono i te pō is the youngest child of King Tuheitia, who died last Friday at the age of 69. She was the youngest and only daughter of Kiingi Tuheitia, the Maori people's seventh monarch, who died Aug. 30 at the age of 69 following heart surgery. The ceremony began at about 10 a.m. local time Wednesday at Turangawaewae Marae, the Maori monarch's official residence in the town of Ngāruawāhia on New Zealand's North Island. Thousands were in attendance for the anointing of Ng...

 $53,000 Scam: Court Jails Graduate Two Years for Impersonating Singer Flavour Justice Dehinde I. Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos,on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, convicted and sentenced one Ikpaka Courage to two years imprisonment for presenting himself as Chinedu Okoli, also known as Flavour, a Nigerian singer, to dupe a United States of America citizen, Mrs. Yvelte M. Thompson, of the sum of $53,000. Courage, a graduate of Philosophy, was arraigned on Tuesday  by the Lagos Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a two-count charge bordering on cybercrimes and money laundering. Count one reads: “That you, Ikpaka Courage, sometime in April, 2021 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, directly made a false statement, wherein you held yourself out as a Nigerian entertainer by name "Chinedu Okoli  a.k.a. Flavour N'abania" on your Telegram account, knowing the same to be false and with intent that the ...

 Court Fixes Ruling on Binance Chief's Bail Application for  October 9 Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 deferred ruling on a fresh bail application, filed by Tigran Gambaryan, an executive of Binance Holdings Limited till October 9, 2024. Gambaryan, the second defendant is facing criminal prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC alongside the company on a five-count charge, bordering on tax evasion, currency speculation, and money laundering to the tune of $34,400,000. Defence counsel, Mark Mordi, SAN had at the resumed sitting prayed the court in a fresh bail application to admit Gambaryan to bail on liberal terms for six weeks to enable him take proper care of his alleged failing health, arguing that even though the prosecution objects, exhibits, including the medical reports show that his client has a serious health issue and needed urgent medical care, which cannot be adequately managed i...

 Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies from injuries after being set on fire Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died in Kenya 4 days after being set on fire by her boyfriend. The 33-year-old died at a Kenyan hospital after sustaining 80% burns to her body following an attack by her partner on Sunday. Cheptegei had been receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city. A spokesperson, Owen Menach, confirmed her death on Thursday. Donald Rukare, president of Uganda Olympics Committee, said in a post on X: “We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei … following a vicious attack by her boyfriend. May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.” The authorities in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, said she was targeted after returning home fro...

 China pledges $50 billion for Africa Chinese leader Xi Jinping has pledged over $50 billion in financing for Africa over the next three years and to help create a million jobs on the continent. "Over the next three years, the Chinese government is willing to provide financial support amounting to 360 billion yuan ($50.7 billion)," Xi told African leaders in Beijing on Thursday and also promised to help "create at least one million jobs for Africa". About 50 African leaders and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres are attending this week's China Africa forum, according to state media.

 UN chief warns of unrest due to failure to grant Africa debt relief African countries' inadequate access to debt relief is a recipe for social unrest, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Thursday, proposing fresh reforms to the international financial architecture, TRT Afrika reported. A growing debt crisis across the one billion-strong continent has seen a conflagration of civil unrest in recent months, after protests in Kenya, where police clashed with demonstrators rallying against proposed tax hikes. There were similar demonstrations in Nigeria and Uganda over the cost of living. African nations have been seeking to restructure their debts through a rework architecture designed by the G20 called the 'Common Framework,' but the scheme did not as expected expedite talks between a myriad of leaders from Chinese state-owned banks to London-based asset managers and New York banks. Zambia in June became the first country to successfully restructure its ...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES BADMINTON PLAYER, ENIOLA MARIAM BOLAJI, ON PARALYMPIC FEAT President Bola Tinubu congratulates Ms. Eniola Mariam Bolaji on winning a medal in badminton at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, becoming the first African athlete to achieve such a feat in the sport at the Games. Eighteen-year-old Eniola clinched bronze in the women's Para-badminton SL3 at the Paris Paralympics on Monday. President Tinubu commends Ms. Bolaji for her courage and resilience, which she demonstrated against all odds to secure Nigeria's first medal at the Games. The President thanks the young athlete for making the nation proud and describes her as a fine example of the resourcefulness, talent, and grit of Nigeria's youths. President Tinubu enjoins Ms. Bolaji not to relent but to keep striving for success. Chief Ajuri Ngelale Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) September 3, 2024

 Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee is illegal, says LP faction Callistus Okafor, factional national chair of Labour Party (LP), says the Nenadi Usman-led caretaker committee is illegal. Okafor said this on Wednesday in reaction to the announcement of Usman, a former senator, as chair of a 29-member committee. The committee was set up following a stakeholders meeting of the party convened by Alex Otti, governor of Abia and the most senior elected government official of the party. In a statement, Okafor said Otti should provide a letter from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that acknowledged the meeting he convened in Abia. “Article 11 of the 2009 Constitution which is the only constitution known to the party according to the consent judgment delivered by Hon. Justice G. O Kolawole on the 20th March, 2018 categorically stated the four (4) organizations of the party; ward, local government area, state and national,” he said. “Both Dr. Alex Otti and Mr. Peter Obi...

 Bimbo Afolayan, husband acquire new mansion  Actress Bimbo Afolayan has expressed her heartfelt gratitude and joy as she and her husband, Okiki Afolayan, celebrate the acquisition of a new mansion. Okiki announced the news on Instagram, sharing a video of the beautiful mansion and congratulating himself and his family. On her Instagram page, Bimbo also shared her feelings, stating that she had been hesitant to post about the house. She thanked God for this new blessing and expressed her deep appreciation for her husband, whom she believes was chosen for her by God. “I made a lot of videos to post but every time I want to post I keep saying hmmmmm GOD did this eventually I made a video yesterday before leaving Nigeria for Houston, and here is the sweetest highlight of it all: seeing the most beautiful Aliyah surprised! This can only be GOD. Hey, fam this is another great Blessing GOD added for us. My dear husband @okikiafolayan, GOD handpicked you for me, and I will forever gi...

 Edo poll: Conduct drug tests on candidates, APC tells NDLEA The All Progressives Congress Governorship Campaign Council in the September 21 poll in Edo State has called on the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to subject leading candidates to compulsory drug tests to ascertain their level of sanity. In a statement made available by the council’s Director of Media, Kassim Afegbua, on Wednesday in Benin, the state capital, he urged the NDLEA to zero in on all the frontline candidates of the major political parties with a view to ascertaining their sanity. “We have been reliably informed that some of them are alleged to be heavy consumers of banned substances and also alcohol. A test for all of them will unveil their level of sanity. “Edo voters must be well-guided in making informed choices during the elections and avoid voting for a candidate who will spend the state’s resources in funding drug and alcoholic lifestyles,” he said. Afegbua said the compulsory test would save Edo p...